Bright and early I got in the car and headed for Ely, Iowa to meet up with my friend Emily and visit Clary Illian. A friend of mine asked how I managed to swing it to visit Clary at her home and it was simple. I called and asked if I could visit. :) She was very friendly and said that it would be fine to come for a visit. Emily and I were there for two hours, talking about pots and all sorts of things. She showed me her studio and let me sit at her Leach treadle wheel (which, btw, will be my next wheel. I'm smitten). It took me *forever* to decide what pots to buy. Here's what I decided on.
Clary has completely switched over to earthenware. She decorates her pots with white slips and colors them with transparent glazes. The square mug on the left was the first thing that jumped out at me. The yunomi on the right was one that Clary said she was fond of. It feels pretty good to be adding Clary's pots to my collection. :)
I *love* the blue bowl on the left. The little cup on the right was actually two glazes mixed together (unintentionally!) and it was the only one of its kind, so of course it had to come home with me.
That's the extent of our time at Clary's. Emily and I also went to the AKAR in Iowa City, where I got to talk with one of the employees about their Yunomi Invitational. I've always been a little hesitant about applying to that show because it seems like 'the big time' and I'm never really sure if I'm 'big time' yet, so I've put it on the back burner. I think I'll apply for the 2013 show (it's too late to apply for this year). I feel like I might actually have a shot... and well, I guess won't know if I don't try, right? ;)
After the AKAR, we stopped at the Iowa Artisan Gallery, upon Clary's suggestion. Just like at the AKAR, it's an overwhelming amount of pots and artwork to look at (although the AKAR was pretty intense, I could have stayed there all day). I saw pottery from several artists whose names I recognize, including Allamakee Wood-Fired Pottery. I've talked via email with Hallie about helping/attending one of their wood firings this winter, so it only felt right to get my hands on a piece of their pottery. I went back and forth over a few things, and finally decided on this ice cream bowl. I think it's absolutely beautiful. I love wood fire.
(Ice-cream bowl, Allamakee Wood-Fired Pottery)
Other than the AKAR and the Iowa Artisan Gallery, Emily and I visited two pretty awesome thrift shops, ate at the Pita Pit, had ice cream at Coldstone, and drinks at a bar that Emily says is famous but right this second I can't remember the name of the place (and no, it's not because I had too many drinks). ;)
So, there you have it! It was a great road trip. I got to hang out with my friend all day, meet a famous artist, see a load of awesome pottery, eat some good food, and enjoy the 55+ degree day. Now that I'm all inspired, I think I'll go make some pots. :)
9 comments:
Woman, I have now been extra schooled on all sorts of pottery, through this post...
Also, great message here: lots of things get done just by asking. Some people never try, so they will 100% will never get anywhere ;)
And yes, you ARE big time. Rock it!
There are so many great artsy shops in Iowa City...and bars. Di you have drinks at the Deadwood? Not that I would know. : )
The bar was The Mill. Not sure if "famous" was the word I used... maybe popular? Haha. The day was a blast though! -Emily
Em~ Well... maybe not famous, but 'well know'? ;) Yep.. yesterday was fun. We should road trip more often! :D
FG~ I was impressed with the quality of the second hand shops we went into.. but I couldn't buy anything. I spent it all on pottery. ;)
Zan~ I completely agree! You won't know if you don't ask, and it's usually a 50/50 chance. The worst they can say is no! ;)
how exciting that you went to visit Clary Illian! you brought home some awesome pots
And you probably drove right past my house (or within a few miles) and didn't even stop for tea.
Glad you had a good time here.
Judy
That sounds like a perfect day! Love her stuff! I want to steal the blue bowl! Love the dots on it!
Very cool day trip! I'd love to go check those places out in Iowa City, and it'd be awesome to meet Clary too. The pottery you bought is wonderful too. I'm glad you had a great day.
Hey Becky, It's so great that you went to Clary's. She is one of my pottery heros. We visited her several years ago as we were heading to Minnesota. Just like you, we called ahead and she invited us to come on. We had a wonderful visit and talk. This was before she had moved to her new house.
Love the pots you brought back. I sure would like to get out there again in the next couple years. For now it's nice to live vicariously through you and this story.
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